Wintrust Financial’s Edward J. Wehmer helps LINK Unlimited raise over $500K

PRLog (Press Release) - Feb. 9, 2013 - CHICAGO --- LINK Unlimited’s 9th Annual DreamKeepers Awards Gala was the most successful fundraiser in the organization’s 46-year history due largely to the efforts of its 2013 honoree Edward J. Wehmer, president and CEO of Wintrust Financial.  Wehmer marshaled both his professional and personal network in support of  LINK Unlimited's premier annual fundraiser which brought in more than half a million dollars to the organization.  Over 600 of Chicago’s top business, philanthropic and community leaders attended the event held on last Wednesday night at the Fairmont Hotel.  

The highlight of the evening however was the testimony of LINK Unlimited student Samuel Hinshelwood of Marion Catholic High School.  He recounted his experiences in LINK for the past four years and told the audience how his mentor made an indelible impact on his school and life choices.  He received a standing ovation from the crowd when he told them he has been accepted at Stanford University on a full scholarship for both tuition room and board.

Funds raised at the event support the educational and mentoring organization that serves economically disadvantaged African American high school youth who exhibit strong academic potential and leadership qualities.  The event was created as an evening of celebration honoring supporters of LINK Unlimited while continuing to foster Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream of equality and justice.

Comedian Jim Gaffigan, brother of LINK Unlimited Board Chair Joe Gaffigan of TCF Capital Funding, added a note of levity to the evening with his comedic stylings - a first at the event.

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Joseph P. Gaffigan, President, TCF Capital Funding & LINK Unlimited Board Chair; Virgil J. Jones, Jr., President, LINK Unlimited; Leona A. Gleason, Executive Vice President, Wintrust Financial Corporation & 2013 LINK Unlimited DreamKeepers Gala Chair; Edward J. Wehmer, President & CEO, Wintrust Financial Corporation; Angelo J. Bufalino, Shareholder, Vedder Price & 2013 LINK Unlimited DreamKeepers Gala Chair.  Photo by Dot Ward Photography

Press:  For more information, contact Virgil Jones, President, LINK Unlimited;  vjones@linkunlimited.org or 312.225.5465.

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